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FIVE PLAYLETS 



hy 



HESTER DONALDON JENKINS. Ph. D. 




Written for the 
Department of 
Social Betterment 

Brooklyn Bureau 
of Charities 




Price 25 Cents 



FIVE PLAYLETS 



by 



HESTER DONALDON JENKINS, Ph. D. 




Written for the 
Department of 
Social Betterment 

Brooklyn Bureau 
o f Charities 




Price 25 Cents 






CI.D 41740 



SEP 13 1915 



ri 



FIVE PLAYLETS 

Written for the 

Department of Social Betterment 

of the Brooklyn Bureau of Charities 

by 

Hester Donaldon Jenkins, Ph, D. 
Educational Supervisor 

Table of Contents 

MOTHER GOOSE UP-TO-DATE— A Health Playlet 
JUDITH AND ARIEL— A Fresh Air Playlet 
OUR FRIENDS THE FOODS— A Food Playlet 
IN A TENEMENT— A Tenement Playlet 
KILLING GIANTS-A Juvenile Court Playlet 



THE PLAY'S THE THING 



A 



NEW idea which is just coming into popularity 
_ , in the anti-tuberculosis campaign is the use of 
the play, or better still, the playlet, as an educa- 
tional medium, and if the experience of those who 
have already tried this method counts for anythmg. 
it bids fair to be a channel of education that should 
be adopted throughout the country. 
The use of plays to educate the public on health and 
social matters was first tried out at Springfield, 111., 
a year ago in connection with the Civic Exhibit. The 
immediate success of these plays depicting conditions 
which could be described in dramatic form has 
induced the Department of Social Betterment of the 
Brooklyn Bureau of Charities to try to extend this 
method. 

The plays presented in this pamphlet have been written 
so that they can be presented by children or adults 
with very little scenery or costuming. They can be 
given by children in schools, churches and elsewhere 
and will prove both entertaining and instructive. It 
is a matter of common experience that where children 
are used to co-operate in dramatic performances, the 
parents and friends always become interested in the 
subject of the performance. This is in itself a 
valuable educational asset for the play. 

PHILIP P. JACOBS, 

Assistant Secretary 
The National Association for 
the Study and Prevention- 
of Tuberculosis. 



MOTHER GOOSE UP-TO-DATE 

A Health Playlet in One Scene 



y All rosy or tanned and plump. 



Scene: Empty platform except for two stools in opposite corners 
of stage front. 

Characters. 

OLD WOMAN WHO LIVES IN A SHOE. 

HER TWO CHILDREN— A boy and a girl— pale and thin. 

LITTLE BOY BLUE 
LITTLE BO PEEP 
LITTLE MISS MUFFIT 
LITTLE TOMMY TUCKER 
MISTRESS MARY 
LITTLE JACK HORNER 
PRETTY MAID 
YOUTH 

Costumes: Conventional. Boy Blue with horn, Bo Peep with 

crook, Miss Muffit with bowl, Maid with basket on arm. Old Woman 

with peaked hat, Mother Goose with panniers and kerchief and peaked 
hat. 

(Enter Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe leading two pale thin 
children.) 

O. W.— 

I am the Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe. 

I had so many children I didn't know what to do. 

But now, alas, I'm losing them, Consumption takes them 

ofif, 
And soon my shoe will empty be, a byword and a scoff. 

(Enter Mother Goose. Old Woman leaves children and takes Mother 
Goose's hands.) 

O. W. — Dear Mother Goose, tell me how I can save my children 
from this dread disease. 

M. G. — Dear Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe, I've often thought 
of your case. I am sorry, for your children do look very delicate. 
(Draws them to her and caresses them.) My children live very long. 
Perhaps if I called them in they could tell you how they keep so well. 

O. W. — Many thanks, Mother Goose. Let us ask them by all 
means. 

5 



1st Child — We'd like to grow strong! 

2nd Child — We don't wish to be sick. 

(0. W. goes to stool farthest from entrance j seats herself with 
children at her feet. Mother Goose in centre calts, clapping her hands.) 

M. G.— Oho! Little Boy Blue! 

L. B. B. — Who calls me? Oh, it is you, dear Mother Goose. 

M. G. — Here is the Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe; she wants 
you to tell her how you keep so well. 

(L. B. B. blows horn. M. G. seats herself on other stool.) 

L. B. B.— 

I'm Little Boy Blue, I blow my horn 

In the country sweet 'mid the growing com. 

I'm all day long in the sweet fresh air, 

With the sheep and the cows the country I share. 

O. W.— 

O bouncing boy with cheeks so red. 
With beaming smiles and curly head, 
Would that my boys were strong like you! 
Can the country air such health bestow? 

M. G. — Indeed it can, as Little Bo Peep shows too. Oho! Little 
Bo Peep. 

(Enter L. B. P.; L. B. B. moves towards O. W.) 

L. B. P.— 

I'm Little Bo Peep, 
I've left my sheep 

Tho' I know well where to find them. 
For they'll come home 
When I leave them alone, 
Hanging their tails behind them. 

M. G. — Here is a country girl as gay as Little Boy Blue. See 
how the country keeps them fresh. 

O. W. — Oh ! tell me, my child, how you get your sweet looks. 

L. B. P.— 

Sing a song o' six pence 

The barley and the rye, 
I live among the blackbirds 

And look upon the sky. 
When the day is dawning 

I get up with the lark, 
And don't I work and play all day 

From sunrise until dark? 

O. W. — Alas, my little girls must stay in the city; can they not 
grow strong there? 

6 



M. G.— Come, Mistress Mary. Show us hows a city girl can keep 
well. 

1ST CHILD (Steps forward to meet Mistress Mary when she 
enters) — 

Mistress Mary, quite contrary, 

How does your garden grow? 
Have you cockle shells and silver bells 

And little maids all in a row? 

M. M.— 

No, Little Boy, my garden is small 
And I have no maids all in a row. 
But I've planted good seeds, 
And I pull up the weeds. 
And bright flowers are beginning to grow. 

2ND CHILD— 

Ho, Mistress Mary, quite contrary. 
Is your garden good for your health? 

M. M.— 

Oh yes, when I dig 

With my tools small and big. 

My muscles grow strong and steady 
And my skin gets all brown 
Like a real country clown. 

For all sorts of work now I'm ready. 

{Children go hack to 0. W.) 

O- W. — Oh, I see, my children might have little gardens in their 
back>-ards or in school yards and so grow strong like Mistress Mary. 
How do your other children keep well? 

M. G. — Jack Horner says its through Fresh Air. Oho, Jack. 

{Enter Jack Horner.) 

J. H.- 

There is a boy in our town. 

And he is wondrous wise. 
He never has his window shut 

But in the good air lies. 
He always goes to bed at eight 

And sleeps well thro' the night. 
And in the morning he feels fine 

For good air makes him bright. 

O. W. — What is your name, my fine fellow? 

7 



J. H.- 

Little Jacky Homer 

But I've given up my corner 

For a well aired room is better far for me. 
And better still I find 
For my body and my mind 

Is a big play ground, with grass and sand and tree. 

M. G. — Here come two jolly friends. They'll show you another 
way to keep well. Come in children — don't be shy. 

(Enter Little Miss Muffit and Tommy Tucker hand in hand.) 

L. M. M. (Drops a courtesy) — 
I'm Little Miss Muffit, 
I sit on a tuffet 

And eat my good curds and whey. 
I have plenty of bread 
And meat that is red 

And eggs and hot soup thro' the day. 

L. T. T.— 

I'm Little Tommy Tucker 
Who sings for my supper 

And puts in for breakfast a bid. 
Oh, I just love my dinner 
And if I'm a sinner 

I'm surely a healthy young kid. 

Together : 

Good-morning, Mother Goose. 

Good-morning, Old Woman Who Lives in a Shoe. 

What a jolly world it is! 

(Enter Maid and Youth from opposite sides.) 

YOUTH— Where are you going my pretty Maid? "^ 

P. MAID— 

Going a walking, Sir, she said. 

Sir, she said, Sir, she said. 

Going a walking, Sir, she said. 

YOUTH— May I go with you my pretty Maid? 

MAID— 

Yes, if you wish, kind sir, she said. 

Sir, she said, sir, she said. 

Yes, if you wish, kind sir, she said. 

YOUTB— What is your fortune, my pretty Maid? 

MAID— 

My health is my fortune, sir, she said. 

Sir, she said, sir, she said. 
My health is my fortune, sir, she said. 
8 



YOUTH— Then let me share it, my pretty Maid. 

MAID — Surely, come walking then sir, she said. 

Refrain. 

M. G. — They are always taking walks when they can't get tennis or 
ball. 

(Maid comes to 0. W. and kneels by the children.) 

MAID — Oh, what dear little children, but they are not brown 
and stout like us. 

B. P.— Perhaps if they'd come and play with us they'd grow 
bigger. 

B. B. — Let's form a circle? 

(Form a circle with the two children in the centre and 0. W. and 
M. G. smiling in opposite corners. Dance around.) 

ALL— 

Ring around a rosy, 
Pocket full of posy, 
Who can give these children something good? 

(Separate in two lines with children hand in hand in centre.) 

M. MUFFITT (Stepping forward and touching the children) — 
I'll give you some curds and whey, 

T. T. — And I'll give you eggs and meat and oatmeal. 

(Both step hack into line.) 

B. B. — I'll take you to the country. 

B. P.— And I'll play with you there. 

M. MARY— I'll let you work in my garden. 

J. HORNER— And I'll let you rest in our house with all the win- 
dows open. 

MAID — I'll take you walking. 

YOUTH — And show you how to play games. 

CHILDREN— Oh, thank you, thank you. 

(Run one to O. W. and one to M. G., who sit on stools again.) 

O. W.— So do / thank you. 

End with folk dance of the eight well children. 



JUDITH AND ARIEL 

A Playet in One Scene 



Characters. 



FIRST GERM OF TUBERCULOSIS. 
SECOND GERM OF TUBERCULOSIS 
THIRD GERM OF TUBERCULOSIS. 



JUDITH — Tall, slight girl, wears shirt waist and skirt with hair in 
braids. 

NURSE — Conventional costume. 

HEADACHE— RED IMP. ) 

COLD— BLACK IMP. [ Either boys or girls or both. 

WEARINESS— GRAY IMP. ) 

Boys in dark clothes look- 
ing crawly. Perhaps made 
of paper, cambric or sack- 
ing ^ and with pointed 
hoods coming over heads; 
- tails permissible. 

ARIEL— White robe and scarf. The dress to be of cheese cloth, two 
straight pieces fastened over shoulders, arms bare, girded 
high under arms, has ragged edge, loose hair. A thin, long 
scarf of white or rainbow gauze. 
FAIRIES (Girls)— 

LIGHT— In yellow, with flowers in hand and wreath on head. 
LIFE — In pink, with flowers in hand and wreath on head. 
BROWNIES (Either boys or girls) — 

VIGOR— In green with leaves on head and branches in hands. 
VIM — In green with leaves on head and branches in hands. 
BOY SCOUT— Conventional costume. 
CAMP FIRE GIRL— Conventional costume. 

Scene: Room with windozv at back right, the window shut and 
shaded, a bed or couch at left. Room disorderly, a pile of debris in 
right corner front, consisting of a broken box, some rumpled paper, a 
few rags, a medicine bottle, etc. 

(Enter Germs.) ALL — 

We — are — Germs — One — two— three ! 
Sickness-bringers, that are we; 
We live best in dark and dirt, 
You look out or else we'll hurt. 

(Germs run around the room.) 

11 



1ST GERM — Ho, what a nice room! How glad I am Judith's 
sick mother brought us in. {Pokes the bed, kicks the pile of debris.) 

2ND GERM— Yes, and so dirty, too. (Shuffles feet on the floor.) 

3RD GERM— Just where we like best to be when we can't be in 
some one's lungs. (All run to the debris and snuggle in it.) 

1ST GERM — How lucky the window is shut. (Gets up and tries 
it.) 

2ND GERM— Yes, not a ray of sunshine to scorch us. (Jumps up 
and down.) 

3RD GERM — Say, you two, can't we have some fun here? (All 
put heads together.) 

1ST GERM— Whom can we attack? 

2ND GERM— Why, Judith lives here in all this dust and dark. 
We can easily get at her. 

ALL (Dance together and chant. Joins hands and dance in a 
circle) — 

1. Ho ho! ha ha! 

Let's get her quick. 
He he ! hei hei ! 
Let's make her sick. 

2. We are Germs — one, two, three ! 
Sickness-b ringers, that are we. 
We live best in dark and dirt, 
Judith surely will get hurt. 

(Enter Judith.) (The Germs scamper to the corner and hide in 
the debris. Judith drags herself slowly to the couch and falls on it. 
Following her are Weariness pulling her back by the skirt, Cold slapping 
her on the shoulders and Headache pulling her hair.) 

JUDITH : Oh dear, how sick I feel. 

HEADACHE: Yes, for I, Headache, am beating your head and 
burning your nerves, and giving you pain. Unhappy girl, to have Head- 
ache for a companion. 

JUDITH: Oh my head! And I'm so tired. 

WEARINESS (In ghostly tone — pommeling at her) — Yes, for I, 
Weariness, dog your footsteps. I weigh on your limbs like a ball of 
stone. I stop every eager movement. I make your days heavy and 
sad. Alas, for her who has Weariness ever with her! 

JUDITHi — It is so cold and yet the window is tight shut. I 
wonder where the cold comes from. (Judith sneezes.) 

COLD (Blowing at her shrilly) — Here! For I, Cold, am in your 
room and in your bed, in your very bones, and I will not leave you. 
Unfortunate girl! whom Cold never leaves! 

12 



JUDITH— Oh dear, how sick I feel. {Headache pulls her hair. 
Judith puts her hand to her haad and cries.) And I've such a head- 
ache! (Cold gives her a poke and she shivers.) It's so cold, and yet 
the window is tight shut, where does the cold come from? 

COLD — Here {pointing at her, Judith sneezes, Cold rocks with 
silent laughter). 

CHOR. OF GERMS {Very low, sitting together, heads together. 
Ho ho! apart on Ha Ha! and so moving with the rhythm, jerking on 
each beat of the measure) — 

Ho ho! ha ha! 

Let's get her quick. 
He he! Hei hei! 
Let's make her sick. 

1ST GERM {shaking his finger) — It's pretty easy to attack her 
when Cold has already got her. 

2ND GERM {nods) — And with Headache and Weariness to help. 
{Hug themselves and chuckle.) 

3RD GERM — Here come the Boy Scout and the Campfire Girl — 
I don't like them. 

{Enter Boy Scout and Camp Fire Girl.) 

BOY — Hello, Judith, come out and play with us. 

GIRL — Yes, we are going to have such fun. {Dances about the 
room, then goes to Judith and pulls her.) 

JUDITH {Half rises but Weariness pulls her down) — Oh, I can't; 
I am so tired. {Headache pulls her hair.) Oh, my head! 

BOY — I should think you would be sick in this stuffy old room. 
{Hits the window frame with his fist.) 

GIRL— Do come out, you'll feel much better in the fresh air. 
{Takes hold of Judith's hand.) 

JUDITH {Pulls hand away and turns over in bed)— I wish I 
could, but I am too cold and tired. {Headache gives Judith's hair 
another pull and she groans.) 

GIRL {to Boy, speaking to him, facing him and taking lapel of 
his coat) — I wish we could help her. 

BOY — Let's get someone who can. {Girl claps hands and they 
rush out.) 

GERMS {Germs have been watching them eagerly; one is on his 
hands and knees, jumps up in corner as Boy and Girl go out and clap 
hands.) 

1ST GERM— Ha ha! 

2ND GERM— Ho ho! 

13 



3RD GERM— He he! 

ALL — We will soon have her in our grip. • 

JUDITH (lies back with closed eyes. Headache pulls her hair 
steadily. Weariness presses her feet and limbs down and Cold puts 
a hand on her throat.) 

HEADACHE— Lie still, and think of Headache ; I give you pain. 

COLD — Lie still, and think of Cold; I numb your heart. 

WEARINESS — Lie still, and think of Weariness; I weigh you 
down. 

HEADACHE— Oh, the nurse, alas! 

{Enter Nurse.) 

NURSE — Good morning, Judith, how are you this beautiful day? 

JUDITH — ^Very weak, thank you ; I can't think what is the matter ; 
I am tormented by headache and cold. 

NURSE (takes her pulse) — Dear me, if this goes on you will have 
tuberculosis. 

GERMS (Chuckle) — 

He he! 

It's we ; 

We're making her sick. 
NURSE — Why isn't your window open? 

JUDITH (Cold squeezes her) — Oh, it is too cold now; I couldn't 
stand any more. 

NURSE — Why, m.y dear child, the air outside is much better and 
warmer than in this room. 

GERMS (Huddle together) — Rrrrrrrrrrr! 

NURSE (Goes to window and opens the shade, groups of fairies 
seen outside. Headache twitches Judith). 

JUDITH— Oh, it makes my headache so bad. 

NURSE — No, it will drive Headache away. (Opens window.) 
Come Ariel, we want fresh air. 

(In jumps Ariel, standing an instant on the window ledge. Judith 
sits up and stares at her. Headache and Cold and Weariness shrink 
into opposite corner from Germs.) 

ARIEL— 

Here I come! after me, my good Fairies. 

Come Life, come Light, 

Each fairy sprite ; 

Come Vigor, come Vim, 

My Brownies trim. 

Come in. 

14 



{Leaps dozvn, the four follow her, waving branches and flowers.) 

LIGHT {runs forward)— I am Light, to Judith health I'll bring 
{steps behind Ariel). 

LIFE — I am Life, my praises soon she'll sing. 

VIGOR — I am Vigor, I come with Fresh Air. 

VIM — I am Vim, a spirit brisk and fair. 

NURSE — There now, doesn't that seem better? The good air will 
drive away your headache. 

HEADACHE— Oh, I am getting so faint; I hate Light. 

LIGHT — And I hate you {runs after her). 

WEARINESS — Vigor is chasing me away {Vigor runs after her 
and chases her out of the window.) 

COLD — I can't stand it {Life chases her out of the window). 

VIM {Goes to Judith and raises her from the couch) — There, get 
up Judith ; we will help you. 

{Germs get up and scamper into the opposite back corner. Stand 
with hands outstretched, palms against the fairies. One puts his ha^nds 
over his eyes.) 

1ST GERM— Oh, what shall we do! 

2ND GERM — They will drive us away. 

3RD GERM — And we nearly had her in our clutches. 

1ST GERM— Oh! {Claps his hands.) 

2ND GERM — Oh oh! {Throws back head and clenches fists.) 

3RD GERM — Oh oh oh! {Puts fists in eyes as though crying.) 

{Nurse straightens the bed.) 

ARIEL {Stands in center, waives her long veils from right to left 
and then left to right in time with her words. Half chants) — 
Away all dirt and dark, 

When I come in. 
Away all dull fatigue 

When I come in. 
Away Headache and Cold 

When I come in. 
Away sickness and Germs 

When I come in. 

{Waves toward the Germs. Vigor and Vim run toward them and 

chase them around the room and pummel them while they squeal.) 

GERMS— We're going; yes, we're going. We don't like Light 
and Air. Ah! {Run off the stage.) 

15 



JUDITH {Has been stretching herself and looking out of window 
and then stands, looking at Ariel with her eyes wide open. Nurse 
straightens room) — Why, how much better I feel! I didn't know 
Ariel could make so much difference. {Embraces Ariel.) I shall 
always love you because you drove away Headache and Cold and 
Weariness. 

ARIEL — That is what I will always do if you will only open the 
windows and let me in. 

{Enter Boy Scout and Camp Fire Girl.) 

GIRL — Hurrah, Judith, you look lots better; come out and play 
now. {Takes her hand.) 

BOY — And how nice your house feels, and it looks so bright. 
{Looks about and peeps from the window.) 

JUDITH — Yes, for Ariel has come in. {Points to her.) 

TABLEAU 
Ariel stands in the center, Judith kneels before her. Light and 
Life, Vigor and Vim are grouped to the right of Ariel, Boy Scout and 
Camp Fire Girl and Nurse stand smiling at the left. Into the window 
look the Germs and sickness shaking fists and frowning at Ariel. 



16 



OUR FRIENDS THE FOODS 

A Playlet in One Scene 



Scene : Anywhere. 

Characters. 
(In order of their appearance.) 

MOTHER— Dress of a lady. 

GIRL — Nicely dressed girl of about 12 years of age. 

BOY — Nicely dressed boy of about 14 years of age. 

MAID — In black with cap and apron. 

SOUP—Thin boy in yellow. 

MEAT — Boy in fur cap and fur mittens. 

PICKLES — Boy in olive green tights. 

CANDY — A girl in striped red and white. (Maybe a roll of white 
cardboard, encircling her with red cords, holding it over 
the shoulders and red paper put on in spiral.) 

CHEWING GUM — Green, and peaked cap like Wrigley's. 

MILK — Girl in plain cream white — flowers in hair. 

EGG — Boy in white paper balloon blouse with yellow cap and sleeves. 

TEA — Girl in dark brown with black leaves in black hair. 

COFFEE — Brown boy in light brown with berries or brown buttons. 

FRUIT — Girl in red dress, with apple in hand, cherries in hair. 

VEGETABLE — Boy in green with wreath of leaves. 

BEER — Boy in golden brown with fluffy white collar and white cap. 

WHISKEY— Boy in flame-colored tights. 

BREAD — Boy in white baker's suit. 

CEREAL — Girl in pink or blue with strings of popcorn. 

N. B. — If costumes are not possible, the foods could be labelled 
with names on band across the breast. 

(Enter Mother with an arm over shoulder of Boy and Girl, one 
on each side.) 

MOTHER — Children, I have invited a party for you, and wish you 
to choose your friends among them. 

GIRL— Oh, what fun! 

BOY — When are they coming? 

MOTHER — There's the first guest. Let him in {to maid who 
enters door). 

MAID {Ushers Soup) — Here is Mr. Soup. {Bows to Mother, 
then faces audience on left while group half face him at right.) 

17 



SOUP— 

I'm the all popular Soup, 

After me all people troop; 

I nourish and warm 

And never do harm, 
I'll be a friend to each one in this group. 
(Shakes hands with each.) 

GIRL— Oh, I like you. 

BOY — Pshaw! there isn't enough to you. 

SOUP— 

There is all to me that you put in, 
At your wish I can be thick or thin; 
I eat pepper and meat, 
Cheese, milk, carrot and beet; 
To turn me away'd be a sin. 
(to the Boy) 
Don't you want me for a friend, a daily or at least a weekly 
friend? 

BOY — I'll see. Here comes another. 

MAID— Mr. Meat. (Enter Meat — Soup steps behind Mother to 
right.) 

MOTHER — Oh, here is someone you like. 

MEAT— 

I am Meat, I make people strong, 
With my friendship they grow broad and long; 
If they take me each day 
They will soon come to say 
Meat's the best friend to have come along. 
Ding dong, 
Ding dong ! 
For 'tis meat that makes children strong. 

(To Boy) Do you want to play baseball, or football, or run or row 
or swim? Then embrace me; I'm your man. 

BOY— You bet! (Embraces Meat.) 

GIRL (Runs up to Meat) — I want to swim, too, and run and dance 
and play tennis. So you must be my friend, too. 

SOUP (Comes forward)— Hello, old fellow. I am always glad of 
your companionship. (Shakes hands.) 

MOTHER— Here comes three chums. (Meat and Soup go to 
right front.) 

MAID— Pickles, Candy and Chewing Gum. 

GIRL (Rushes up to Candy and embraces her; Boy shakes Pickles 
by the hand). 

18 



ALL THREE— 

We come for fun, for fun, for fun. 

We have no use under the sun; 

We keep you busy, we please your taste; 

We're just amusing, but waste, but waste. 

(Wave their heads as they speak and bow on the last line.) 

GIRL — Oh, I like you all so much. 

MOTHER — But let us see. (Comes forzvard— children pass to 
rear.) Candy, are you a good friend to a girl? 

CANDY — If you invite me once in a while, I'm a jolly visitor, but 
lots of people tire of me when I come often. I even make them sick. 

GIRL — Then I'll only invite you when I have a party. 

BOY — Chewing gum would never make you sick. 

MOTHER — No, but he is no good. Chewing Gum, can you 
make a boy a good athlete, or make him grow, or swell his muscles? 

CHEWING GUM— 

Oh, no ; I'm no good, 
I'm really no food. 

I'm just a good chance to spend money, 
Some boys find me fun, 
But a biscuit or bun 
Would give you more value for money. 

(Has a lively manner; dances and turns somersault.) 

BOY— Oh, dear! 

MOTHER— How about you. Pickles? 

PICKLES— 

I bite and sting those who eat me, 

And often their stomachs I hurt; 
I never make fat, flesh or muscle ; 

I'm not a good friend, but a flirt. 

(Bends forward, points and waves his hands.) 

GIRL — I suppose we'd better tell you, too, to come only to 
parties. (Three dance in circle.) 
Ha ha, ha ha! 

Foolish Foods are we; 
Ask us not too often, 
Or else sick you'll be. (Dance off to right back.) 

MOTHER— Here's a very old friend. 

MAID — Mistress Milk. (Comes to center and bows to Mother 
and audience.) 

19 



MILK— 

Mid Sweetmeats and luxuries, 

Jellies like silk; 
Be't never so simple, 

There's no food like Milk. 
Milk, pure rich Milk, 
Be it never so simple, 

There's no food like Milk. 
I'm the first friend of babies, 

I'm good for the child ; 
I'm fattening and nourishing, 

I'm smooth, sweet and mild. 
Milk, pure rich Milk, 
Be it never so simple, 

There's no food like Milk. 
You may turn me to butter. 

Or good curds and whey. 
Or make of me cheeses, 

Or let the cream stay, 
Milk, pure rich Milk, 
Be it never so simple, 

There's no food like Milk. 

GIRL (runs up to her) — I'll make you my friend. 
BOY — I prefer a strong man like Meat. 

MILK — Here comes my comrade Egg, with whom I visit my sick- 
boys and girls. (Steps to left back.) 
MAID— Master Egg. 

EGG (Runs in) — 
Hello ! 

I'm Egg — I'm good and yet you beat me, Ha ha! 
I'm like a colt, I have to be broken to be any use, Ha ha ! 

BOY — And you're always getting into hot water, ha ha ! 

GIRL — And then you boil as if you were mad, ha ha ! 

MILK — If you marry me we'll be Egg Nog. 

SOUP — Come and be my comrade, I need you. 

MEAT — Well, I don't; I can get along without you. 

MOTHER — Children, will you have Egg for a friend? He's one 

of the best friends a child can have with him every day in the week. 

•». 

CHILDREN — Yes, we'll have him for a friend. (Each take his 
hand and the three skip and sing.) 

Come, come, come with me. 
We will live together, we ; 
Ho ho ho ! he he he ! 
Without Egg we ne'er shall be. 
20 



GIRL — Who is that coming? 

MOTHER — Oh, I didn't invite them; they are enemies. 

MAID— Tea and Coffee. 

TEA & COFFEE— 

Tea and Coffee, we are so benighted 
We do not know when we are sHghted; 

So we came to your party, as jolly and hearty 
As though we'd been really invited. 

TEA — But people are always begging us to come. 

MOTHER — Yes, they invite you; but what do you do to them? 

TEA (mysteriously) — Make 'em nervous! 

COFFEE (explosively) — Keep them from sleeping! 

TEA — Make 'em think they have been nourished when they haven't. 

COFFEE— Turn them yellow! 

MOTHER — Do you want such guests at your party? 

GIRL— No, no. 

BOY — Not for a strong boy. (Exit Tea and Coffee hanging their 
heads.) 

MOTHER— Here come two that I did invite. 

MAID— Fruit and Vegetable. 

MEAT (Goes to meet them) — Hello, old friends; always glad to 
see you. 

FRUIT — I'm good for breakfast (puts hand on breast and bows). 

VEGETABLE — And I'm good for lunch (puts hand on breast and 
bows). 

BOTH— We're both meant for dinner 
Or for a picnic mpnch. 

FRUIT — I furnish acid (puts hand on breast and bows). 

VEGETABLE— And I furnish ash (puts hand on breast and 
bows). 

BOTH— We're tasty in salads. 
VEGETABLE— And I improve hash. 
GIRL — Fruit, you shall be my friend. 
BOY — Come, Vegetable; let us be chums. 

MOTHER— Oh, who are these strange creatures? I don't know 
them. (Steps back.) 

GIRL — I'm afraid. (Shrinks behind Mother.) 

21 



BOY — / think they look interesting. 

MAID — Whiskey and Beer. • 

BEER — I'll booze you; I'll dull you; I'll soften your brain. 

WHISKEY — I'll madden you, burn you, inflame you again. 

MOTHER (Steps forward, waves them away) — You are worse 
than Tea and Coffee — leave us quickly. 

BOY (Steps toward them) — I'd like to play with you a little and 
see if you are really so bad as Mother says. 

MILK — Oh, yes, they are; if you wish my friendship you'll leave 
them alone (pulls his arm). 

MEAT — If you wish any appetite for me (seizes the other 

arm). 

EGG — Or for me (puts hand on shoulder). 

MEAT — You'll leave them alone. 

MOTHER — Go away, my children will not receive you. 

GIRL — Yes, go away. 

BOY — Yes, go now (reluctantly turns his back. Exeunt 

Whiskey and Beer arm in arm). 

MOTHER— Here come my last guests. 

MAID— Master Bread and Mistress Cereal. (Enter Bread and 
Cereal hand in hand; how to all, face audience.) 

CEREAL — We are brother and sister. 

BREAD — The best friends to man in this world. 

CEREAL — You can't get along without us. 

BREAD — We'll support you when all other friends fail. 

CEREAL — Oatmeal, Cornflakes, Grapenuts, Force, Rice; I have 
many names, but am always your friend. 

BREAD — Black or brown or white, leavened or unleavened — you 
need me always, the staff of life. 

BOY — Oh, yes; we know you and like you. Good old Bread. 

GIRL— And sweet Cereal! (Steps hack so that foods form a 
semi-circle around Mother and Children.) 

MOTHER— These are your friends. Some for every day and some 
only for occasions. Now you can play together. 

GIRL — Let's have a dance. 

BOY — Candy, will you dance with me? 

22 



GIRL — I'll take Meat. Bread and Milk, you go together, and 
Vegetable and Fruit, Egg and Cereal, Soup and Pickles. (Pair off.) 

MOTHER — Here, Chewing Gum, you're harmless, so you may 
look on, but you are not good enough to dance at the party. (Chew- 
ing Gum stands in the corner. Others arrange for a Sir Roger de 
C overly.) 

Tea and Coffee come in at one side and Whiskey and Beer at the 
other, and either make the music or clap their hands and whistle for 
the dance Mother stands at back Maid to opposite corner from 
Chewing Gum. Dance. 

Finis. 



23 



IN A TENEMENT 

A Playlet in One Scene 



Characters. 
MRS. DAY. 
KATIE DAY. 
TIM DAY. 
MRS. THOMPSON. 
JENNIE THOMPSON. 
MR. JONES, Janitor. 
MR. BARBER, Landlord. 

Scene: Kitchen with basin and towel on stand — two straight chairs, 
table with dishes, etc., kettle somewhere on stove if possible, broom 
in corner. One window. 

Costumes: Present day — poor, except landlord's, which is a pros- 
perous business suit. Katie's arm to be blackened as tho' bruised. 

{Mrs. Day working at the table— enter Tim. Hits his mother on 
cheek with a pea-shooter.) 

TIM— Ha! ha! good shot. 
MRS. DAY— Oh, Tim! 

TIMr— Say, Ma, I want to go and play with the fella's. 
MRS. DAY— Oh, I wish you wouldn't; those boys teach you such 
bad tricks. They shoot craps and are regular hoodlums. Why can't 
you stay home? 

TIM— Shucks! what could I do in this little hole? And we ain't 
got no backyard. Some boys live in places where they've got fine yards 
to play in. Wish't we had one. Mighty bum joint this. 

MRS. DAY (Sighs)— Yes, if we could only afford a better home! 
This is dark and damp. I'm always afraid you children'll get ^con- 
sumption like Mamie Biggs. But what can we do? There wasn't an 
apartment in this neighborhood for what your father can pay that 
has enough windows in it. I do the best I can. I keep all I have open 
day and night. But still you grow pale. (Takes Tim's face tn her 
hands and looks at it anxiously.) 

TIM— Aw— cut it out. (Sends another pea at the window.) Then 
you see I must play in the street— how else can I get exercise and air? 
(Starts to the door.) So long! 

(Enter Katie crying and nursing her arm.) 

25 



KATIE — Oh oooooooooo ! 

MRS. DAY— Whatever is the matter, Katie ?^ 

KATIE — I fell down in the hall. Oh, it was so dark; it always 
is, and I caught my foot in that torn oilcloth near the door, and fell 
flat on my face. I put out my hand and I guess I've sprained it. 
Oh, how it hurts ! 

MRS. DAY {Takes hand, then pours water from kettle into the 
basin and bathes it) — Poor child ! It's a shame about that oil cloth. 
I nearly fell on it m3^self yesterday. 

TIM (Shoots a pea at Katie)— BiS\ 

KATIE— You horrid boy! 

TIM — Say, why don't you ask the janitor to change it? I s'pose 
he can't help the dark hall, but he could get a new oilcloth. Let's 
ask the old guy anyway and see what he says. 

MRS. DAY — Do go and get him. We'll show him Katie's arm. 
(Exit Tim.) That'll keep Tim busy a minute anyway, he's like a kettle 
with the lid oflF. 

KATIE— Oh, dear, oh ! 

MRS. DAY— There, don't cry. I'll fix it up. 

(Enter Mrs. Thompson and Jennie. Jennie with the newspaper 
folded like a swatter in her hand.) 

MRS. T. — We heard Katie crying and want to know what is the 
matter. 

KATIE — I've h-hurt my arm. 

MRS. DAY (Places a chair for Mrs. Thompson, who sits) — It's 
that loose oil cloth in the hall, and it's so dark there too. We've sent 
for the janitor to complain. 

MRS. T. — I guess I'll stay and complain of our neighbors. They 
keep their garbage uncovered and our rooms are just full of flies. 

JENNIE — Yes, we try to swat them — this is what I do it with — 
but my, ain't they thick! We have to keep every bit of food cov- 
ered or they'd crawl all over it, nasty little things! There's one now. 
(Hits Mrs. Day's shoulder.) 

MRS. DAY (Wincing)— V\[hat harm do they do? 

JENNIE — Oh mercy, didn't you know how they carry disease and 
infection on their sticky legs and feet and spread them all over the 
food, and then we eat it and get sick? Augh ! (Slaps the table.) 
We learned all about it in a lecture at school. 

MRS. T, — Yes, my baby was sick, and I sent for the district 
nurse, and she said it was probably the flies that settled on its bottle. 
But I just can't keep them away. 

26 



{Enter Tim and Mr. Jones.) 

JONES — Well, Ma'am, what's the matter now? 

MRS. DAY— Oh, Mr. Jones, can't you get that oilcloth in the hall 
patched? Here's my Katie, just look at her arm {pushes Katie for- 
ward, Jones looks at the arm) from catching her foot in the oilcloth. 

JONES {Shrugs) — I'm sure it ain't my fault, Ma'am. I can't do 
nothing. I've asked and asked to have that mended. I nearly fell in 
it myself. {Jennie suddenly darts across the room and slaps his head.) 
Here! what are you at? 

JENNIE — Flies, I'm swatting 'em. 

JONES — Well, you needn't swat me. I ain't no fly — see ! 

MRS. DAY— Won't the landlord do anything? 

JONES — I can't get him to. He just swears at me. 

JENNIE — I tell you what we must do. Lets send for the Tene- 
ment Inspector. We've got a book all about it. {Waves her paper 
and runs out.) 

JONES — We don't want him. 

MRS. T. — Yes, we do. {To Mrs. Day) Jennie'U show you. {Re- 
enter Jennie with book "For You.") 

JENNIE^See this book— it's called "For You." It tells us just 
what to do. "If Things Are Wrong." 

If anything is wrong, tell the janitor. 

If it is not attended to promptly, write the landlord. 

If he doesn't do What is right, report it to the Tenement House 
Department. You do not have to sign your name, they will pay 
attention to your complaint just the same. Be sure to give the address 
of the house by street and number or the Department cannot help you. 
State clearly what is the matter. If nothing is done at once, don't 
think they are paying no attention to it. 

Don't make spite complaints because you are angry at the janitor 
or the landlord. They can do him no harm and you no good, and 
they waste the city's money, which is your money." 

JONES {nods) — That's sensible anyway. The way people get mad 
on me! {Jennie sldps book down on Tim's cheek, who yells, chases 
her with his pea-shooter.) 

MRS. DAY — Children, do be quiet! Well, where can we write? 

JENNIE {Opens book)—V\\ read it. 

"Where to Make Complaint. 
If you have any complaint to make about a tenement, you can write, 
telephone or call at the Tenement House Department in — Manhattan, 
"no, that's not us," The Bronx, "nor that," Brooklyn, "yes, that is, at 
503 Fulton Street, near Hoyt Street." Telephone — "well, we haven't any 
'phone, we don't care for that, but we can write." 

27 



TIM— Yes, let's; let's do it now. 

MRS. DAY (To Tim) — You write the beet. Take this chair (puts 
chair to table and clears a space). Katie'll get the pen and ink and 
some paper, and you can write what we tell you. 

TIM — Righto ! (Sits at kitchen table — Katie brings him writing 
materials, all crowd around him but Jones, who leans against the 
door.) 

TIM — How do I begin? (Pause — all look at one another; Katie 
giggles.) 

MRS. DAY (helplessly) — / don't know. (Jennie slaps her mother's 
back with the paper. Mrs. T. starts up.) 

MRS. T. — We always begin, "Dear Somebody." 

JENNIE — We might say "Dear Tenement Department." 

ALL— Yes, that will do. 

MRS. DAY— Write that, Tim. 

TIM — It's written. Now what shall we complain of? 

MRS. DAY— Say that the oilcloth is torn. 



. 



KATIK— And that the hall's so dark, and 
fell down. 

MRS. T. — Say there's open garbage in the hall f ^^ ' ,, 

,, „ 1-6 & \ after another 

and a bad smell. \ . ^ ^,. , 

interrupting each 

JENNIE — And our baby's sick from the flies ( other. 

and smells and I can't swat 'em fast enough. 

(Slaps wall.) 

ALL — Say it is so dirty. 

TIM — Oh, not so fast. (Drops his pen and puts hand to ears.) 
I can't write like a steam engine. One at a time (jumps up). I'll 
tell you something else I'm going to say: we need a backyard to play 
in (walks up and down). 

KATIE — And a bath — it's awful always to wash in a basin in 
the kitchen. 

JENNIE — And a fire escape (looks Jones earnestly in the face). 

ALL — Yes, yes; a fire escape! 

JONES — Well, I'm mighty curious to know if all this helps any. 

(Enter Barber, the landlord. All stop and look at him in embar- 
rassment. Tim covers his letter with a newspaper. Mrs. Day seises 
Tim's chair and pushes it forward.) 



MRS. DAY — Good morning, Mr. Barber, won't you take a seat? 

BARBER— No, I've just dropped in to say a word about the rent. 

MRS. DAY (Pushes chair toward him) — Do sit down, sir. 

JONES (Grins) — Why don't you folks make some of your com- 
plaints to Mr. Barber, now you've got your landlord right before you? 

(All look at each other; Mrs. Day twists her apron, Katie giggles. 
Mrs. T. rises; Jennie raises her swatter as though to strike him, hut 
her mother putls it from her hand.) 

BARBER — Well, why don't you speak up? 

MRS. T. (Comes forward)— li you please, sir, there's a good 
many things about this tenement that ain't right. We was hoping 
you'd make some changes. 

BARBER — What! changes this year when business is so bad and 
half my rent isn't paid? 

MRS. DAY — Well, you might do some little things; here's my 
girl's — (pushes Katie forward) see her arm. She tripped in the torn 
oilcloth in the dark hall. I s'pose you couldn't light the hall daytimes, 
but anyway you might get a new piece of oilcloth. 

BARBER — Well, we'll see; we'll see. I can't stay now. 

MRS. DAY (desperately) — That's always the way; you never do 
anything but "see." We'll have to send that letter to the Tenement 
House Department. We were just 

BARBER— What! a letter to the Tenement House Department! 
Oh, that isn't necessary. You can have some new oilcloth. Certainly, 
I'll send some right off. 

MRS. DAY— And will the hall be lighted? 

MRS. T. — And will you stop the smells, and clear out the nasty 
garbage my neighbor leaves about? 

BARBER — I'll speak about the garbage, but that's the tenant's 
fault. 

TIM — And give me a backyard to play in? 

BARBER (Turning on him fiercely) — See here, you young beggar, 
you want the earth. I'll see 

MRS. DAY (Goes back to the table) — I guess we'd better send 
the letter. (Sound of gong outside and cries of "Fire! Fire!") 

MRS. T. — Fire! oh, my baby (rushes out followed by Jennie). 

TIM — Fire ! fire ! and we have no fire escape ! 

MRS. DAY — Run, run, children (takes Katie's hand and runs out; 
Katie screams). 

TIM — Fire! fire! (Exit, janitor follows on the run.) 

BARBER (Looks from window) — God! no fire escape, and we're 
five flights up! (throws up his hands, runs out). 

29 



KILLING GIANTS 

A Playlet in Three Scenes 



Scene I : A city street Six boys shooting craps. 

TIM — Tliere's my penny (throivs). Shure it's near the crack — 
now, don't you kick it, you spalpeen (to Skinny, who goes to examine 
it). 

SKINNY (Steps hack)— I wasn't. 

TIM— G'wan, Abe. 

ABE — No, I vaits a leetle. You trow now (to Bill). 

BILL — Aw right (shoots his penny). 

LOU (contemptuously) — Gee, I kin beat that (shoots his penny). 
(All laugh jeeringly.) 

LOU (angrily) — Shut up! An' you, Tony, I bet you can't do near 
so well. 

TONY (zvith a swift throw — shrugging) — I no shoota ver>^ good. 
You shoota betta, Abe. 

ABE (carefully measures the space and throws nearer than any of 
the others) — I got it. The pennies is mine. 

TONY (shrugs again) — Abe always getta the pennies, 

ABE — Well, I shoots the best (picks up the coins and counts them 
carefully and puts in his pocket). Let's play oust more. 

BILL (cheerfully) — Ain't got no more pennies. 

SKINNY (discontentedly) — Shooting craps ain't no fun. Wisht 
we could do somethin' excitin'. Wisht an elephant'd scape from a 
'nagerie or somethin' real 'venturus. 

LOU — Say, fellas, wouldn't you a liked a been Teddy Roosevelt 
and shoot lions and tigers? Gee, that's the life! 

TONY — My grandfoder, he was a sailor, and he went alia round 
the world. He had rings in his ears, and he saw Chinee an' lots of 
funny people where they live. 

SKINNY— Wisht I was a sailor! 

TIM — Shure — a sailor ain't in it with a pirate. Holy Virgin, I bet 
a pirate has a fine life. I've seen them at the movies with black flags 
and cutlasses and heavy seas, and streams of blood, and a white wiper 
'round yur head. 

BILL — I'd rather be Raffles. I saw him to a show onst. He could 
steal that slick that you couldn't tell it was him at all, and my! he 
wore the gladest rags! 

31 



SKINNY— En' Harry Thaw— I'd like to be him. 
LOU — He don't have no real fun, not like the Colorado natives 
in the mines, that shoot Indians and find lots of gold and kidnap girls. 

ABE — Dere's a kid in one of our books dat kilt a giant. 

BILL— What's a giant? 

TIM — A big bloke — twicte as big as us. I saw a giant in a show 
oust. He was 'bout ten feet high. 

BILL — Oh, shucks; there ain't no sich big men. 

ABE — Yes, dere vas. Goliath, he vas colossal, and David he was 
liddle like us, and David he kilt Goliath. 
LOU— How'd he do it? 

ABE — Mit a sling, so — pff — Goliath put his hand to his head and 
fell dead an' he was all in solid gold armour. 

BILL — Huh (contemptuously). 
SKINNY— My ! (admiringly) . 
ABE — Giants is always very bad men. 

SKINNY (gets close to Tony as a tall man passes) — Say, is that 
maybe a giant? 

TONY — Very bigga man. Don't know. 

LOU — He ain't no giant. 

ABE — But one might come by. 

SKINNY (excitedly)— Then we could kill him. It'd be great. 

TONY — Lak a lion or a tiger. 

TIM — An' where's you guys git a sling? 

BILL — We c'd make one, sure. 

ABE — I got a piece of rubber in my pocket (fumbles for it). 

LOU — I got a knife. I'll whittle a stick (gets it out. Lou gives 
him stick). 

TONY— I getta a lil' stone, a slick HI' stone (looks on ground for 
one). 

SKINNY— Then we'll watch for a giant. 

TIM — And its then we'll be saving all the people from the giant. 

ABE — Goliath, he'd been an awful bad man, and stronger than 
two. He's et boys like us. 

SKINNY— Oh ! 

(Enter a big man, passes across stage, stick in hand.) 

ABE — He's most a giant, ^m't he? 

32 



BILL— Let her fly. 

LOU (shoots; man puts hand to head, drops stick and staygers. 
Police appears to help him up. Another policeman rushes after fhr 
boys) . 

BOYS (yell)— Oh, the cops! (run off. Police catches Skiuny 
and Lou, who wriggle). 

LOU— Lemme go, I didn't do nothing! (but Lou has sling in his 
hand). 

POLICE— Here, you come along with me (inarches them off 
stage). 



Scene 2. Court: Judge at desk. Witness chair at left. Table 
at right with reporter. Clerk approaches. 

JUDGE — Call Lou Robbins and Skinny Peters. 

CLERK (loudly) — Lou Robbins and Skinny Peters. (Enter Lou 
and Skinny with police officer.) 

JUDGE— Thomas Robbins. 

CLERK — Thomas Robbins. (Enter Robbins.) 

JUDGE— Mrs. Peters. 

CLERK— Mrs. Peters. (Enter Mrs. Peters.) 

JUDGE— Mrs. Smith. 

CLERK — Mrs. Smith. (Enter Mrs. Smith.) 

JUDGE — Officer, take the stand. (Policeman sits in chair.) 

CLERK (Holds up his hand to policeman, who does the same) — 
You do solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give in this case 
shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help 
you God? 

POLICEMAN (Nods). 

JUDGE — Officer, did you arrest these boys? 

POLICE— Yes, your Honor. 

JUDGE — State under what circumstances you arrested them. 

POLICE— Saturday morning at about 11 o'clock I was on my 
beat at Grand Street when I saw a man stagger around the corner 
of Second Avenue, and fall. Another officer ran to him and I rushed 
'round the corner and made for a gang of boys there. They took 
to their heels but I nabbed these two, and one of them (pointing to 
Lou) had this sling in his hand and the other had a stone. Here they 
are (shows them to Judge). 

JUDGE — Did you have any talk with the boys? 

33 



POLICE— Yes, your Honor. They were terribly frightened, and I 
will say that they were more afraid that the m&n was killed than 
that I would catch them. That's why they didn't make a getaway. 
The one with the sling said with a sob, "Oh, is he killed; Oh, what 
have we done?" and the other cried like a girl, saying, "We never 
meant to hurt any one." "What did you do it for?" says I. "Didn't 
you ever try one of them slings on a bird or a cat?" We went 
around the comer and saw the other officer pick up the man and then 
he came to and groaned, and the boys felt worse than ever. The 
little one, him, (pointing to Skinny) cried louder than ever and said, 
"Oh, we never meant to hurt him, we was only playing," and the big 
one said pretty solemn like, "I'm mighty glad we didn't kill him." 
Then he squirmed and nearly got out of my grip, but I said, "Here, 
none of your nonsense ; come along with me." 

(The boys squirm uncomfortably while he talks.) 

JUDGE — Call the witness. (Mrs. Smith, her handkerchief in her 
hand, takes the stand. Clerk swears her.) 

JUDGE — What is your name? 

MRS. S.— Mary Smith. 

JUDGE — ^What's your husband's name? 

MRS. S. — Samuel Smith. 

JUDGE — Where do you live? 

MRS. S. — 1535 Grand Street, please. 

JUDGE — Where were you on Saturday morning at 11 o'clock? 

MRS. S. — I was standing in my doorway, please. I had just said 
good-bye to my husband, who was starting off. Oh, sir, he looked so 
big and strong as he walked down the street that I had to look at 

him. I was proud to have so fine a husband. And now (breaks 

down and cries, face in hands). 

JUDGE— There, there, don't cry. The doctor says he will soon 
get well, doesn't he? 

MRS. S. (Sobs) — Yes, your Honor, but he was going that day to 
get a fine job that he's been hoping for for a long time, and he's been 
out of employment and we've spent everything, and now he's lost the 
job and we've got doctors' bills, and no food in the house for the 
children. He ain't very sick, but he'll have a scar on his forehead. 
But, oh dear! oh dear! he's lost the fine job that was to keep us all. 

(Boys squirm.) 

JUDGE — Did you see these boys when he fell? 

34 



MRS. S-Yes. sure I did. That one {pointing to Lou) it was 
that slung the stone hit my Sam. There was other boys oo tha 
ran away. Oh boys iholdin, out her hands), why did you go to hur 
my man and make him lose his job? J' u go to Hurt 

SKINNY {mutters)-We didn't go to hurt him. 

JUDGE-That's all. {Mrs. Smith leaves the chair and stands 
near the others.) {To Lou and Skinny)-No^, boys, you have heard 
hese witnesses testify against you. You have a right to get a 
lawyer m this case, if you wish. {Turns to the parents) It is not 
necessary to have a lawyer. Probably the boys will get along just as 
^vell without one, but it is your privilege if you wish to hire one. 

MRS. PETERS-I'm a poor woman, sir. 

MR. ROBBINS-I'll leave it to your Honor. 

JUDGE-Very well {to boys). Are you ready for the trial or 
do you desire to bring any witnesses? 

LOU-We're ready, Sir. We ain't got no witnesses. 

JUDGE-Lou Robbins, do you want to state your case? Now 
dont be afraid. Tell us first how it happened and how you came 
to do it. 

LOU {Draws a long breath)— Yes, sir. 

JUDGE- Well, what were you doing when Mr. Smith came along? 

LOU— Nothin', sir. Just playing. 

JUDGE— What were you playing? 

LOU {Hangs his head). 

JUDGE^Just tell me what you were playing. I used to play, too 
when I was a boy {silence. Turns to Skinny). What were you 
playing? 

SKINNY— Why it was about giants, an' we been telling stories 
bout pirates and 'ventures. 



JUDGE — And you wanted an adventure 



SKINNY— Yes, like we'd seen in the movies. Not just scrappin' 
on the streets. 

JUDGE — And who was Lou playing he was? 

SKINNY— Oh, he was David. Abe told us about him. 

JUDGE— Who is Abe? 

LOU {roughly)— Oh, he wasn't anybody; just a boy we used to 
know at school {nudges Skinny). 

JUDGE— So you were David and you had a sHng. Oh, yes, I 
see, and Mr. Smith was Goliath, I suppose. 

35 



SKINNY (gasping) — Say, how'd you get wise?* i\rn't you a smart 
one? 

JUDGE — Did you know Mr. Smith? Had he ever bothered you? 

LOU — No, sir; it was just that he was so big. 

SKINNY (eagerly) — We thought that he was a giant, sir, and 
giants are so bad. They eat babies an' awful things. David was a 
hero because he killed a giant and so was Jack the giant-killer. 

MRS. S. — My poor husband, eat babies ! and him loved his own 
children so! Oh dear! (weeps). 

CLERK— Silence! 

JUDGE — Didn't you think when you set out to be heroes that 
you ought to learn something about the giants you try to kill? What 
if another boy would kill your father because he thought he was a 
giant ? 

SKINNY— Oh dear, I wish we hadn't. 

JUDGE — Now here is a man just like your father, and you have 
made him sick and kept him from getting a job, and made his wife 
and children hungry, and all because you didn't think of other people 
when you were playing. Do you think that such careless dangerous 
boys ought to be left to play on the street? 

LOU— I d'n know. 

JUDGE — And what about Abe and the other boys. 

LOU — There wasn't no other boys. 

JUDGE (to Skinny) — Weren't there four or five other boys play- 
ing that game? 

SKINNY (squirms)— l<lo, sir; they'd all gone home. 

JUDGE — And you two were playing all alone when you hit Mr. 
Smith. 

BOTH— Yes, sir. 

JUDGE— Well, well; let Thomas Robbins take the stand (Robbins 
comes to chair). 

CLERK- You do solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give 
shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,' and so 

help you God. (Robbins holds up his hand.) 
JUDGE — What is your name? 
ROBBINS— Thomas Robbins, your Honor. 
JUDGE — Where do you live? 

ROBBINS- 312 Second Avenue. 

36 



JUDGE— What relation are you to Lou Robbins? 

ROBBINS— I'm his father, sir. 

JUDGE— What kind of boy is Lou at home? 

ROBBINS— He's alius been a good 'nough boy, your Honor. Only 
I can't never keep him home. He is always at the movies or with 
the gang. He ain't never hurt no one before. He's alius good to his 
little sister and brother. I'm sure he wouldn't a-hurt any one if he'd 
a thot. 

JUDGE— Has he ever gotten into trouble before for breaking 
windows or throwing stones? 

ROBBINS— No, your Honor, never. 

JUDGE— That is all. (Robbins leaves the chair.) Mrs. Peters. 
(Mrs. P. takes the stand.) 

CLERK— Do you solemnly swear that the evidence you shall give 
is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? (Mrs. Peters 
nods.) 

JUDGE — What is your name? 

MRS. P.— Jane Peters, your Honor. 

JUDGE — What is your husband's name? 

MRS. P.— John, your Honor, but he's dead these two years. 

JUDGE— What relation are you to Skinny? 

MRS. P.— I'm his mother, sir. 

JUDGE— Are there any more children? 

MRS. P.— Oh, yes, your Honor, there's Mamie and Johnnie, Lily 
and the baby. There are five children I have to work for and keep 
as best I can. 

JUDGE— Does Skinny help you? Is he a good boy? 

MRS. P. (eagerly)— Oh, yes, your Honor, he's the best boy ever. 
He's as good as a girl with Lily and the baby and always helps me 
lots. He's a great reader, too, borrows books from people and tells 
me all about the heroes in 'em. He's talked lots about being a hero 
and having adventures. But a nicer son never was. Judge. He's 
careful of Lily and baby and helps me with house and dishes. 

JUDGE — Has he ever tried to hurt anyone as far as you know? 

MRS. P.— Oh, no, sir; Skinny hurt anyone! Why, sir, when I 
heard he was locked up for stoning a man, I said, it can't be my 
Skinny. He's that tender-hearted. It must have been bad company, 
your Honor. 

?7 



JUDGE — That's all. {Mrs. P. leaves the stand wiping her eyes.) 
Now, boys, let me talk with you {hoys draw nearer). So you boys 
wanted to have an adventure, was that it? 

LOU (/ow)— That's it. sir. 

JUDGE — And you thought it would be brave to kill a giant like 
David? 

SKINNY— Yes, sir. 

JUDGE — But you didn't choose your giant very successfully, did 
you? When you picked out poor Mr. Smith, who was a man just like 
your father, whose family are now suffering because he is sick? 

LOU {hanging his head) — We didn't think 

JUDGE — Well, let us think a little now. You have committed a 
serious crime all because you were so eager to do something heroic. 
I cannot let you boys be at large because you might throw another 
stone and perhaps next time you might kill your man. 

SKINNY — We'll never do it again, sir. 

JUDGE — I hope not, but of course, we must punish you this time. 
Playing at killing men is pretty dangerous sport. You will find that 
there are plenty of bad things in life you can fight. Perhaps you 
will learn what some of them are at the place where I am going to 
send you, but we can't have you killing men. There isn't any real fun 
in that. 

MRS. S. — Oh, please your Honor ! 

CLERK— Silence ! 

JUDGE — I commit you two boys, Lou Robbins and Skinny Peters, 
to the Juvenile Asylum to stay until you have learned that you cannot 
attack passersby. 

MRS. P.— Oh, my Skinny! {cries). 

JUDGE — Remove the boys. Clerk, and call the next case. 
{Robbins takes Lou by the shoulder, Mrs. Peters clings to Skinny — 
all walk out — Mrs. Smith wiping her eyes, too.) 



Scene III : Street. Abe, Tony, Bill and Tim. 

BILL — Did you hear what Lou and Skinny got? 

TIM — It's up to the 'Sylum for them. 

TONY— They most catcheda me, too. 

ABE — I didn't think dey would shoot dat man wid a stone. 



BILL — But it was you, Abe, who told us about giants. 

ABE (doggedly)— But I didn't try to kill no giants. I vouldn't a 
done such a ting. 

TONY — I droppa my lil' stone pretty quick! 

BILL — Well, I feel pretty punk to lose two of our gang to the 
'Sylum. 

TONY — Skinny was a vera nice boy. 

TIM — An' Lou was a corker. 
(Silence for a moment.) 

BILL — Well, kids, I guess we'd better go swimming and have no 
more 'ventures. I don't think giant-killing pays. 



(^Copyrighted 1915) 



Press of P. J. Collison & Co, 

Printers and ,^^^^^*-; 
Publishers ^^^^ 

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